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Effective Managers & Coworkers are Kind
Cathie Leimbach • August 15, 2023
“We know that managers are the single biggest determinant of employee satisfaction, performance, and perceptions of well-being,” says McKinsey partner, Emily Field. Yet, too often they are considered just cogs in a wheel, taking instructions from above and pushing the people below to get results.
Often, employees experience their manager as a task master breathing down their back or neglecting them though they need help to succeed. However, effective managers are coaches. Such leaders care about both the people and the workplace results. Here are a few ways that managers can show they care for their team members as individuals and as employees.
- Say good morning to your colleagues. Take a quick walk around the office when you arrive and say hello to several coworkers who are already there. Acknowledge those who walk past your work station as they arrive.
- When working remotely, take a few minutes in the morning to call someone who told you they had an appointment with a medical specialist yesterday and ask how it went. Or, call a colleague who has just returned from vacation and ask them to share a couple of highlights from their time away.
- When you read in the newspaper that one of your colleagues children were the MVP in a sports game or won an academic award, congratulate your colleague in-person, by phone, text, or email.
- Ask others a question about themselves or about their workplace priorities this week. Really listen to their response. Ask a few follow-up questions to learn more.
- When you know a coworker has a big deadline or an unusually taxing workload, ask how you could help. If you can only spare 30 minutes, say “I could take 30 minutes today or tomorrow to help you. What would you like me to do?
- When someone can’t get away for coffee or lunch, grab something for them when you are getting your own.
Next week is “Be Kind to Humankind Week”. How will you show kindness to the people in your life at work and beyond? Click here for 15 ways you could express kindness at work.
Based on “Four Cs of Effective Conversation” - The Ohio State University Leadership Center. Ever walked out of a meeting thinking everything was settled, only to realize later that key actions didn’t happen, or alignment was off? That’s because effective conversations require four key elements: clarity, candor, commitment, and completion. Clarity: Make Sure Everyone’s on the Same Page Miscommunication is one of the biggest productivity killers. It’s easy to assume people understand what’s being said, but without clear expectations, mistakes happen. Take the time to check for understanding—what’s obvious to you might not be obvious to everyone else. Candor: Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say Honest, direct conversations build strong teams. When people hold back their real thoughts or concerns, issues fester, and progress stalls. Creating a culture of candor—where people feel safe to speak openly—makes teams more effective and relationships stronger. Commitment: Get Specific About Next Steps A vague “I’ll handle it” often leads to dropped balls. When commitments are specific—who will do what by when—things actually get done. Leaders sometimes hesitate to ask for deadlines, fearing it feels like micromanagement, but clear commitments drive accountability without overstepping. Completion: Don’t Move On Too Soon Before wrapping up a discussion, check that everything’s been addressed. Did we answer all key questions? Does everyone know what happens next? Ensuring a topic is fully covered prevents confusion later and keeps teams aligned. Mastering these four Cs can turn routine workplace conversations into powerful tools for productivity and collaboration.
Today's workplaces are changing, and managers play a key role in increasing workplace morale and productivity. Research shows that managers impact 70% of what affects how engaged and effective employees are. Surveys show many employees are dissatisfied. They say that expectations are unclear, they don’t feel respected by management, they don’t get enough training, and they don't see how their work matters. With the increasing number of seniors and fewer people in the workforce, increased productivity is essential. Strong leadership is more important than ever. Managers need to develop skills to help their teams succeed. This includes: • Setting clear goals, • Showing appreciation, • Providing good training, and • Helping employees see the purpose of their work. The innovative Conversational Management program helps managers build these leadership skills. It focuses on the leadership practices which boost engagement and productivity. Managers can participate in a virtual Test Drive to see how these strategies can improve teamwork and performance. If you want better results and productivity, REGISTER HERE to join a Test Drive and learn about this highly effective leadership approach!